Here are some of the demographics to consider:
•We are comprised mostly of DINKs (“Dual Income, No Kids” couples) in their mid-to-late 20s.
•We are based in Aurora, Colorado, which has an amazingly high rate of people moving in and out of the area.
•We are all relatively new transplants to the Denver area ourselves.
•We have a mix of traditional and contemporary elements in our services.
•Most of our members are dedicated to the church.
Any ideas you have would be greatly appreciated: Books, websites, personal experiences, etc.
Thanks in advance,
Jon
9 comments:
there is nothing that will bring christians to any church quicker than having a dinner. everybody shows up for that. ha!! ha!! in all seriousness this is the eternal question that follows any church. if i myself was a pastor i would first make sure of my message. create an atmosphere of that message, and then expose myself to all with it. not a quick solution, but the only way to build that solid foundation of a place big or small where all who attend can feel God's presence. i hope you get better answers than this!!!
Check out this web site. A dear friend that attends Multnoma Bible College attends here. It was started by Greg Harris, father of the Joshua Harris of "I kissed Dating Goodbye". I really like the idea and am wanting to get up to attend church with my friend soon. Read some of the articles and let me know what you think.
http://www.hofcc.org/content/view/22/32/
http://www.hofcc.org/content/view/22/32/
What about a yard sale and maybe give out flyers when people come to shop?
Also getting a local Christian band to perform on a Friday evening...that will get the younger people in.
Jon;
Since you are speaking of extending the Kingdom of God it seems your emphasis is upon evangelism and missions, not “sheep stealing”. Do people in your Church have a heart for the lost? Lets say they do, you seem to have an in with other double income no kids (my wife also fall into this category and there definitely is a need to reach out to more people like that, often church is seen as about family, or family values). What does your community value? What are they about? Are they prominently modern or post-modern thinkers? Into the arts then do a photo contest. If health issue then invite a knowledgeable speaker about a hot health issue. They care about the environment then do something about the environment. Find out who you can tangibly help in the community and just do it, etc. The first thing you want to do is “listen” to your community learn about them and pray.
Whatever approach you take you have to bath it in prayer so that the people of the Church do not lose their focus because they will be emphasizing “pre-evangelism”, building relationships, showing that “Church” has “practical application” in modern life, and this gives you an opportunity to dispel misassumptions people have about Church and being a Christian.
That’s it off the top of my head.
Want to learn some secrets about me? Visit my blog Life on the Blade to read my 8 secrets!
Thanks for all of your comments so far. Everything that you have said is similar to what we have brainstormed over the past few months. I suppose that is good validation of what we're trying to do.
I will definitely use your responses, though, as a catalyst for further thought. If you have any more ideas, please keep them coming!
Jon,
I really like the comments from "livingsword". Asking your church members what matters to them or what would they involve themselves with in a community would be a good springboard for ideas. Showing the love of Jesus in a tangible way to people will hopefully make them curious enough to check your church out. Our church and several others for the past two years has organized work days out into our community with no reward or pay back expected. This year we are baking pies for the police and fire department, yard work at the local schools and parks and various other projects that the city or schools never have the time, manpower, or money to do. We've had a very good response from people in the community asking us why we do this and what do these churches preach to get people involved like this. It has been a great witness tool for us all. So find out where the "DINKS" congregate in a community and do something there. Is there a favorite coffee shop? Maybe your church could host a free hour of coffee to customers with no strings attached. I realize getting a business to do this is another challenge, but who knows. At least your congregation's name would be out there and might stir some questions.
I loved the comments by livingsword. I completely agree. I would add one additional thought and that is spiritual gifts. There is a temptation with such a small congregation to overextent yourself. God has placed you in a community together and has given you certain gifts. Some gifts will not be present yet and will come as additional people join the church. I would encourage everyone to do only what they are gifted to do and leave the rest for later. If God wants it done he will provide the people with the appropriate gift.
Josh,
That's a good point, one that I had not thought of before. I will definitely remember it.
Post a Comment